Classification of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissue of the laryngeal mucosa. The most common laryngeal cancer is laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. It is more common in middle-aged and elderly men. The occurrence of this cancer is related to factors such as smoking, alcoholism, long-term inhalation of harmful substances and papillomavirus infection. So what are the types of laryngeal cancer according to the location of occurrence? Today, our experts will introduce you to it in detail.

Supraglottic type: includes cancers originating from the parts above the vocal cords, such as the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, ventricular bands and laryngeal ventricles. This type of cancer is poorly differentiated and develops rapidly. Because the lymphatic vessels in this area are abundant, it is easy to metastasize to the lymph nodes of the deep upper neck group located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. The early symptoms include a foreign body sensation in the throat and discomfort in the throat. When the surface of the cancer ulcerates later, there will be throat swelling, which can be reflected to the ears and even affect swallowing. In the late stage, after the cancer erodes the blood vessels, there will be blood in the sputum, and there will often be smelly sputum. When the vocal cords are invaded, there will be hoarseness and difficulty breathing.

Glottic type: Cancer confined to the vocal cords, with more tumors in the anterior and middle 1/3, better differentiated, and classified as Grade I or II. It develops slowly, and is not easy to metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes due to the small number of lymphatic vessels in the vocal cords. The main symptom is hoarseness, which gradually worsens. When the tumor grows, it blocks the glottis, causing laryngeal wheezing and dyspnea, and bloody sputum and laryngeal obstruction in the late stage.

Subglottic type: cancer located below the vocal cords and above the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage. Because this area is relatively hidden, it is not easy to find in routine laryngoscopy. There may be no symptoms in the early stage, but cough and bloody sputum may occur later. In the late stage, due to the blockage of the subglottic area by the cancer, breathing difficulties are common. It may also penetrate the cricothyroid membrane, invade the thyroid gland and the anterior soft tissue, and infiltrate along the anterior wall of the esophagus.

Paraglottic type: refers to cancer originating from the laryngeal cavity, also known as transglottic cancer. This area is very hidden. There may be no symptoms in the early stage, and it is very easy to spread to the lateral paraglottic space. Its clinical characteristics are: hoarseness is the first symptom, and the vocal cords are often fixed first, and no larynx tumor is seen. Later, as the cancer spreads to the paraglottic space, infiltrates and destroys the laryngeal cartilage, there may be sore throat. If it invades the thyroid cartilage wing plate and cricothyroid membrane on one side, the laryngeal cartilage support can be felt on that side, and there is an irritating dry cough. Generally, it is not confirmed until it develops to two areas.

The above is an introduction to the specific types and symptoms of laryngeal cancer according to the location of its occurrence. I believe you must have some understanding of it and hope it will be helpful to you. If you have other questions, please consult our online experts, who will give you detailed answers. Feihua Health Network wishes you good health!

Laryngeal cancer http://www..com.cn/zhongliu/ha/